Description

Sandia National Laboratories is the nations premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation. We are a world-class team of scientists, engineers, technologists, postdocs, and visiting researchersall focused on cutting-edge technology, ranging from homeland defense, global security, biotechnology, and environmental preservation to energy and combustion research, computer security, and nuclear defense. To learn more, visit http://ca.sandia.gov/casite/.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Bioenergy and Defense Technologies Department, which is part of Sandias Biological and Materials Sciences Center, supports mission areas in biodefense, emerging infectious diseases, and biofuels. The department conducts fundamental research in cell biology, immunology, and microbiology. The department also develops and implements advanced biomeasurement technologies, such as fluorescence microscopy, vibrational spectroscopies, and x-ray and neutron scattering. Current research projects include understanding receptor-activation and cell-signaling processes, pathogenesis, and plant physiology, as well as algal biochemistry and cultivation characterization for biofuels applications. We conduct research for the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, U.S. industry, and Sandias Laboratory Directed Research & Development Program.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Sandia National Laboratories is seeking a postdoctoral fellow in biofuels research. These research projects aim to characterize and optimize advanced biofuels feedstocks by investigating the biochemical pathways and processes regulating photosynthesis, light harvesting, hostpathogen interactions, and biomass/lipid generation in algae, plants, and cyanobacteria. The projects use Sandias core capabilities in bioanalytical spectroscopy (i.e., optical microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging), as well as other analytical methodologies to provide molecular-level information about key biological processes (e.g., photosynthesis, light harvesting, disease protection, and lipid biogenesis) with high spatio-temporal resolution. Because the work is highly collaborative and multidisciplinary, the postdoctoral candidate will be expected to conduct research and explore new biofuels research ideas while interacting with scientists from other scientific disciplines both within Sandia and at academic institutions. The postdoctoral candidate will also be expected to attend conferences, actively assist in writing grants, and generate peer-reviewed publications.

Apply at: http://sandia.gov/careers/search-openings.html. Click on Search for Openings, and type the Job ID number 63814 into the Keywords box. Click on the Search button to access this job opening, and complete an online application.

BENEFITS
Sandia provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) with company-match. Our culture values worklife balance; we offer programs such as flexible work schedules with alternate Fridays off, on-site fitness facilities, and three weeks of vacation.
Sandia National Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. If this position requires a security clearance granted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. citizenship and employee eligibility for clearance processing will be required at the time of hire. If you hold dual citizenship and accept a job offer for a position that requires a DOE-granted security clearance, you may be asked by the DOE to renounce your foreign citizenship and retain only your U.S. citizenship.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires a PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Other required qualifications include (1) knowledge and experience in algae, cyanobacteria, or plant systems; (2) strong biology laboratory experience; (3) competency in performing biochemical assays and basic microscopy; (4) a desire to learn how to apply advanced spectroscopy and spectral imaging to algal and plant systems; (5) excellent oral- and written-communication skills, as evidenced by a strong publication and presentation history; and (6) a strong work ethic, initiative, and the ability to work independently as well as in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team environment. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in photosynthesis and/or the hostpathogen interactions of plants or algae.

Desired qualifications include (1) a background in spectroscopy, spectral imaging, live-cell imaging, image analysis, and/or optics; (2) familiarity with the Matlab software package; and (3) familiarity with ImageProPlus, ImageJ, or Adobe Photoshop.